By Guest Blogger Melissa Dery

It seems like “everyone” is tweeting these days; from celebrities to politicians, corporations and even your own Direct Sales Company may be tweeting. Twitter can feel a little intimidating at first glance, I know I felt lost the first time I was on Twitter. What I found was that it has its own language, a fast moving pace, and a limited amount of space to express yourself (140 characters to be exact), but if you understand the real value and power of Twitter you will soon see what all the fuss is about.

Twitter is like warm chatter. When I was a consultant in direct sales my director was wonderful at warm chatter, she had a kind and friendly way to approach people when she was out and about. She took me with her a few times and showed me her approach. She would wander around the store and casually notice what people where shopping for, and look for something of interest to spark up a conversation. One thing she would often do was comment on someone’s earrings; she loved earrings so it was a natural and genuine conversation starter for her (for me it was about the shoes!). Her conversations really never were about getting the person’s contact information, or trying to sell her something, it really honestly and genuinely was about meeting someone new.

Your approach to Twitter should be similar to the way you warm chatter:

• Take a look around – what are people “tweeting” about (tweeting is just another word for chatting or talking). Chances are you can relate to something someone is talking about.
• Make a friendly comment – like my Director chatting about earrings or me about shoes, you will find something to comment on. I made the most wonderful connection with someone on Twitter who had tweeted about her allergies! We tweeted back and forth and our common “problem” with allergies and that created a genuine connection.
• It’s not about getting something, it’s about the connection – Twitter is a way to network, to meet people you may have never had a chance to meet before. You will make friends, and maybe even prospects or customers but that isn’t what it’s all about, it’s about the connection you can make with people all over the world in short 140 character conversations.

I’ve made some wonderful connections via Twitter, including my connection to Julie Anne Jones! Approaching Twitter like you would any other social situation in “real” life by bringing your kind and authentic self to the party you will find a genuine and warm reception. Oh and while you’re there, please do stop by and tweet me a hello, my handle is @TheGoldenRuleVA … It’s always nice to meet new friends on Twitter!

Melissa H. Dery is The Golden Rule Virtual Assistant (VA) providing administrative support services to leaders in Direct Sales. A former direct sales consultant, who also grew up in a direct sales family, Melissa has a personal understanding of the “behind the scenes” work required to help your business run and grow.

With over 20 years of experience as an administrative assistant, Melissa took her talents as an assistant and combined it with her desire to help support those in direct sales to become The Golden Rule VA. Where her mission is to treat your business as if it were her very own, with respect, creativity and professionalism…it’s her rule!

Melissa is married to her best friend and lives in New Hampshire with her two boys. She has a Bachelor Degree in Business Management and a Ducktoratte Degree from Disney University. She loves to drink coffee, run and most of all go camping with her family. You can learn more about Melissa and what she offers at http://thegoldenruleva.com.